Weavings by Lynn Breckenridge will be featured in the Artists of Picacho Avenue sixth annual Holly Day House on Saturday and Sunday at West End Depot, 401 N. Mesilla St.(Photo: Courtesy)

(Photo: Courtesy)

(Photo: Courtesy)

LAS CRUCES – Art can be the perfect, one-of–a-kind gift.

You’ll be able to find unique treasures created by members of regional artists’ groups, the Artists of Picacho Hills and the Potters’ Guild of Las Cruces, at two popular annual art sales this week. Think outside the box — and crowded malls and isolated online gift searches — and you might be surprised at how much original creations will delight those on your gift list.

At both events, you’ll also have a chance to meet artists and get into the holiday spirit with festive surroundings and unusual choices.

The Artists of Picacho Hills will host its sixth annual Holly Day House from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 21-22, at a new location this year, the West End Art Depot, 401 N. Mesilla St. The event will feature the works of 24 artists.

Also new this year will be a Treasure Chest Raffle.

“Nineteen artists have donated treasures, which range in value from $20 to $450, including jewelry, fiber art, painting and photography, gourd carving, wood turning, and glass art. Visitors who purchase raffle tickets, at $5 per ticket or five tickets for $20, will have chances to win treasures they like the most,” event spokeswoman and artist Judi Miller said.

Proceeds from the raffle will be donated to Mesilla Valley Hospice.

Jewelry will include necklaces, earrings, and bracelets, featuring precious and semi-precious stones, silver, gold, brass, and copper and a special display of beaded necklaces for pre-teens.

“Linda Lee creates jewelry from stones which she finds throughout the world, then tumbles and polishes to reveal their inner beauty. Paula Tomlinson uses polymer clay to make beads and other decorative items. Joyce Deaso fashions jewelry with precious and semi-precious stones. Her designs are contemporary and incorporate gold-filled, silver, and occasional vintage elements,” said Miller, who designs and knits garments, hangings, and other decorative pieces.

“We have members from throughout the United States, the Northeast, the East Coast, Midwest, and South, with only a handful from the West. Prior to retirement they worked in business, education, information technology, and medicine, as well as in the creative arts. But despite their differences, they have much in common: creative spirit, artistic ability, inspiration from the Southwest, and passion for artistic involvement,” Miller said.

The event is free. For information, visit artistsofpicachohills.com and Artists of Picacho Hills on Facebook.

“You can also buy a raffle ticket for a chance to win a beautiful handmade quilt donated by Los Colcheras, with proceeds benefiting the Empty Bowls Project and the El Caldito soup kitchen,” said group spokeswoman Barbara Williams.